Why Liverpool Should Persist with Their Move for Adam Lallana

Following Liverpool's surprisingly successful 2013/14 season, it was inevitable that over the summer the Reds would be linked with a whole host of players.

Dozens of names have been mentioned for potential transfers to Anfield, but one that appears to be slightly more concrete than others is the name of Southampton captain Adam Lallana.

BBC Sportclaim that the Reds have firmed up their interest in Lallana by tabling a take-it-or-leave-it bid of around £25m with the hope that the England international will follow Rickie Lambert from St. Mary's to Merseyside.

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Lazar Markovic: Alternative option to Lallana

ESPN claim, however, that the Saints are holding out for a fee in the region of £30m, as they would be required to pay 25 percent of any transfer fee received to Lallana's former club Bournemouth.

There has also been talk that Brendan Rodgers may himself pull the plug on any potential deal, with Alan Nixon of the Daily Mirror revealing that the Reds boss is ready to turn his attentions to Benfica's exciting young midfielder, Lazar Markovic.

Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express claims that the young Serbian could be available for the £25m fee the Reds were willing to part with to capture Lallana.

Worthwhile Wait

Despite Southampton's reluctance to accept Liverpool's big-money bid, it would be to the Reds' benefit to simply hang in there with the bid that is currently on the table.

Jamie Jackson of The Guardian reports that the Southampton hierarchy are reluctant to sanction any departures until a new manager is in place, despite the recent sale of Lambert to the Reds.

Should this be the case, then Rodgers—while certainly not being held to ransom—should wait to see what happens surrounding the vacant managerial position at St. Mary's.

Lallana, 26, is a player approaching what should be the peak of his career. The former Bournemouth man has risen through the lower leagues to prove himself as one of the finest English midfielder's in the Premier League.

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Lallana would be in familiar company should a move transpire

The versatile Lallana has improved season after season at St. Mary's and a move to Anfield where it is likely he would be surrounded by a number of England teammates, would only expedite his progress.

Lallana would fit into the Reds' style of play perfectly, and his ability to play anywhere across the midfield as well as behind the striker makes the potential transfer even more appealing.

Fits Into Rodgers' Style of Play

Versatility is a trait that Rodgers appears to look for when on the hunt for new additions to his squad. Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Iago Aspas were all signed by Rodgers and all three can play through the middle or out wide if necessary.

Even Raheem Sterling, who was primarily a winger adjusted his game toward the end of last season as Rodgers preferred him through the middle as a foil for both Sturridge and Luis Suarez.

In addition to versatility, Lallana would bring skill, guile, an eye for a killer pass and the ability to arrive late in the box and score a significant amount of goals from midfield.

The Saints skipper contributed nine goals and six assists in the league last season (via ESPN) and was crowned Player of the Year as Southampton finished a respectable eighth.

Lallana would bring with him a fair amount of experience and—having been part of the Saints squad that won successive promotions from League One to the Premier League—would also bring with him a winner's mentality.

The experience of spending the summer in Brazil as part of England's World Cup squad and training day in day out with better players can only benefit him, too, should a move transpire.

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Lallana in action for England

Experience of a major international tournament has the potential to help Lallana learn the rigours and demands that come with Champions League football, and Champions League football at Anfield in particular.

Should Lallana make the move to Anfield, he will well be worth the wait. The pressure of representing a club the size of Liverpool will not faze him and he can be a vital cog as Rodgers looks to take his team from nearly men to Premier League champions.

Do you readers agree? Should Rodgers wait on Lallana, or would you prefer to see the money spent elsewhere? If so, who would you like to see brought in? As always, leave your comments below.